Walmart and Humana may be forced to merge to address several new market competitors, Bloomberg reports.
Here's what you should know.
1. Humana and Walmart are reportedly considering either a merger deal or joint venture of some sort.
2. Amazon is taking aim at retail-based healthcare facilities, while several payers are aligning with businesses and providers directly in attempts to cut patient costs.
3. Neither company commented on the reports.
4. A source familiar with the situation told Bloomberg the companies are considering expanding an existing partnership to provide home care services, while also expanding in-store preventive care efforts.
5. Walmart would benefit from direct access to Humana's beneficiaries, while Humana would gain access to all of Walmart's brick-and-mortar locations to provide low-cost care.